Eastern Connecticut State University Top Questions

What should every freshman at your school know before they start?

Hannah

I would tell myself that is perfectly okay to be nervous for college, however, college isn't as bad as you think. I was very worried about living on campus with a bunch of strangers, but now I realize that it isn't as bad as I thought it would be. I would also tell myself to apply for more scholarships, because I really did not apply for enough during my senior year. Lastly, I would tell myself to get rid of my procrastination habit, because you cannot procrastinate when you are in college. All of these things I would tell my senior year self would have been very helpful to know.

Josseline

Many people believe that college is much different than high school was. Well, that is half true and half false. There will always be that group of people that doesn't like you for no apparent reason, there will be that awkward transitioning phase when you're new. But the thing about college is that it is a fresh start. Choose your classes wisely, you're going to think that 8AM classes are a good idea, well trust me, they're not. When you're making your schedule, make it so that you classes don't have an awkward break in the middle because you're going to want to come back to your dorm and take a nap. Also, rent your books! Not only is it cheaper, if the professor doesn't use it, you won't be as mad about paying so much for a book that you didn't need. If you do have to buy a book, sell it to someone when you're done using it! College is a lot of fun, but, believe it or not, you're going to miss mom and dad! Call them once a day and you'll be fine.

Mallory

Dear high school version of myself, Do not stress the little things of high school, one day they will not matter. Tell your friends how important they are to you and remember to always keep them close. Take in every moment you can, whether if it is earning a medal at championships or laughing and enjoying your time in class, absorb it and remember how it feels. Laugh as much as possible about anything you want. Make yourself open to trying new things, approaching people first and not being afraid of what others think of you. Do not force friendships. If you feel that someone is not compatible to you the way others are, then you can still be friendly but don't have to be best friends. When it comes to friendship always think quality over quantity. College is a big deal, do not diminish your successes, you've worked hard to get where you are. Do not eat the chicken stir fry once you get to college... Love, Older college version of me

Yessenia

I would personally give myself the advice of not going to New York an d just stay in Connecticut for now. iI would also tell myself that even though iI am not the smartest person in class i can still achieve and have a chanse to do better. I would tell myself to be prepared or what is coming up and that college is no joke, especially the "Freshman 15!!" but i would mostly tell myself to keep my head high that theres so many opportunites for me in the long run, that my lfe isn't over yet, it has just started!!

Zachary

If I went back to me as a high school senior, I would grab myself by the shoulders and shake that nervous student and tell him to step out of his comfort zone. College is the first time in life that students really have to change who they are and create a new beginning. Even by going to school close by, or across the country, they may be trying something that they did not know was possible. For example, if you remained comfortable in your four years at high school, then when you arrive at University, try something new by running for a Student Government position. If you're comfortable being a general member of a club, run for an executive board position. If you're comfortable in your classes, take an upper level one. If you're comfortable in your major, pick up a minor. If you're comfortable living at home, try living in the residence halls. The amount that you will learn about yourself and what you are capable of upon stepping out of your comfort zone will surprise you and others around you.

marta

My advice would be; stay on track. With what i know now i can easily say that college life can be great but it can also be distracting. The parties, friendships, freedom, relationships can all get in the way and then you start forgetting why your here in the first place. Sometimes you stay up all night talking to friends and forget that the next morningyou have an english paper due for class that you never finished! I'm not syaing to live isolated in your dorm room, worrying your friends and family because you won't talk to them. I'm saying keep your head on and remember that theirs still work to be done and a goal to complete.

Laura

The hardest part of transitioning from high school to college was picking my major, rather than having my curriculum laid out for me as in previous years in elementary, middle, and high school. Making a choice on what I would do for the rest of my life was terrifying and difficult. If I could go back in time as a high school senior, I would advise myself to take as many interdisciplinary classes as possible and become more involved with clubs on campus. If I had taken classes that pertained to more majors, I would feel more secure that my choice in major was the right one for me. Though I believe I ultimately made the right decision, it was with great apprehension and some tweaking that I came to my major, Environmental Earth Science. I also wish I had been more involved in clubs like Environmental Club or other clubs that helped the community, which would allow me to get to know more people and more easily interact and socialize with others in the future.

Kristina

I would tell myself to not be afraid to change majors if you aren't passionate about the classes you're taking. As cliche as it sounds, when you click with something you'll just know, and you need to trust your instinct and try new things out if you aren't excited about what you're learning. From a more practical point of view, I would advise myself to take a money management or accounting course, regardless of major. Lots of unnecessary stress can stem from poor money management, and the lack of basic knowlege that many college students have about the subject can cause some very real problems down the line. If you take the personal responsibility to manage your finanaces in an intelligent way, it will help with the transition from high school to college, since you will feel more adult and in control of something besides homework. Last but not least, every once in a while set your alarm for early morning and go for a walk or run around campus. Not many people will be around, and it's a nice time and setting to be alone before starting your day.

Heather

If I could go back and give myself advice as a high school senior heading to college, I would remind myself to apply for as many scholarships as possible. My senior year was relatively easy and my schedule was left free often. I didn’t have much homework, and had plenty of opportunity to try for scholarships, especially the essay scholarships that involve more time. Also, a majority of scholarships are geared towards high school seniors, not current college students. Now, during each semester, I am too busy with studying (mostly for my own learning and achievement) and with my part-time job. Also, once I started college, I began to participate in other activities, some of which come with age. Even my summer is packed, but I calculated how much student loans could cost me, and I might be paying $200 a month for 10 years, which I would like to cut down on.

Michael

Considering the circumstances of my life prior to my going to college, I would say just tough it out. You'll survive if you're just tenacious and may get some incredible opportunities in the future if you can just hang in there.

Rebecca

If I had the chance to talk to my high school self, I would reiterate advice I received last year from one of my biology professors: having the right attitude about college is the most important aspect of being a good college student. Having the right attitude is impossible without majoring in a subject you are truly passionate in; if you find yourself slacking off because you are not interested in your class material, you should probably think about why you are taking that class, and if it is really something you are interested in. The right attitude is a way of life; it is knowing how to put equal effort into every class, how to participate and discuss topics with your professor. It is knowing that you are not alone and can get help if you just look. The right attitude is something that took me a while to find, but when I found it, my entire college experience was changed.

David

Upon graduating, I was very apprehensive about entering college. As a high school senior, I decided to take a break from school. Given the opportunity to speak to myself during that time I would instill some confidence in my younger self. I would say, "Of course, college is intimidating, but college is also a place to grow as a person and prepare for a career. For all it's challenges and stresses college is very much worth it. Take the leap." I wish someone had told me how rewarding the college experience can be. I don't know if it would have changed anything, but I'd like to think I'd have taken the plunge into college earlier.

Stephanie

You know all the tools to succeed. I know you can do it! Keep up the good work!

Eric

Salutations Past Eric! Congratulations on graduating from high school! Before you head off for college in the fall, I feel I need to pass back to you before you set off.First of all, I want you to ask yourself: are you following your dream? Speaking as someone who has gone ahead of you, I can tell you that if you’re not studying toward something you’re passionate about in college, it will be detrimental to your future. Classes will be uninteresting, and your motivation will go straight out the window. If you’re passionate about what you’re studying, the good grades will come, you will be motivated, and your college experience will be memorable and successful. Next, while studying is important, make sure to go out and mingle with other college students on your free time. Join clubs, participate in nightly activities, or anything that will get you in contact with other people. You’ll be surprised at how many other like minded friends you’ll make, and those friendships will last a lifetime. Lastly, stay active. Never stop learning, doing, laughing, and being creative. You never know what you may encounter in your journeys in college!

Meagan

Although Eastern wasn't your top choice, it's a great school. It's close to home so you can go back whenever you want, but it's not too close, so you still get the eperience of going away. The teachers and other students are great, and you will learn a lot.

Jenna

As a high school senior I was nurvose to attend college. I was afraid to go far away to school because of the close bond that my family and I share. I now know that being away from home is not as scary as people make it out to be. I would encourage myself to look into further schools down south. I love the warm weather but I was too afraid to pick as school far away. That is my one regret as a highschool senior. I should have went into an indepth search and researched schools that were in a warmer climate. Making friends is easy. All college freshmen are in the same boat as you are. hardly anyone knows people and they are all in a search for friends. I would tell myself that making friends is a fun and easy experience and to never hold back.

Jasmine

The advice that I would give myself is that i should have applied for scholarships because I didn't have that much money for myself to pay for college. Also, another advice I would give myself is that I should go to college workshops so the transition from being a high school student to becoming a college student will be much easier. Lastly, the last advice I would give myself is that by being a college student you have to make yourself be on a budget because it is hard to support yourself financially while in college. If I knew those things when I was a high school senior, it would have been an easier transition for me from being a high school senior to a college student.

Emily

I would probably tell myself to join in a bunch of clubs the second I walk onto campus. Although it is a small school here, it would benefit me more if I had tried harder to become more involved in campus activities. Making friends is never easy and neither is starting over from the comfort and security from high school, so I would also tell myself not to panic too much and to become involved in order to make friends.

Alyssa

I believe the decisions we make shape us as individuals as we embark on our path in life. As humans we learn from our mistakes, therefore the road less traveled by isn't necessarily the wrong path, but your own. If I could go back in time, I would teach myself that my brain is my most valuable asset and its ability is limitless. I would tell myself that change is hard, especially when your a teenager and to expect obstacles, they are part of life. With that in mind, Id say "Nothing is as bad as it seems, and this too shall pass". I would remind myself to always be open to new ideas, to get involved and befriend different types of people. Every friend you make will bring something different to the table, so take people as they are, as you expect the same of others. The best advice I could give myself is to always strive to be my best self. Finally, creating a balance in life is hard, but life will be a good friend and a better teacher. If you believe in yourself you can accomplish anything!

Judith

My college experience has been phenomenal. At Easern Connectictu State University, I joined the Student Government Association my freshmen year and I have been a part of it ever since. Joining this organization allowed me my first jobs which were incredible experiences. I was a student orienation counselor at Eastern and I am Student Center Assistant. These jobs have allowed me to work with diverse groups of people enhancing my resume and creating great life memories. I know that the friends and lessons that I have learned at Eastern will stay with me for the rest of my life.

Sara

College has been a great experience for me because I have been put in a variety of different situations. I have attended more than one college and lived both on and off campus and commuting. It was sometimes stressful living in some of these situations. Overall the variation in my life over the last couple of years has helped me to better focus and take control of my independent lifestyle. I live five hours from my family and work a minimum of thirty hours a week to support myself and to pay for school. I feel lucky to have the strong support network of family and friends back home that support me. I thank them for encouraging me to attend college for the education I have received both in and outside of the classroom.

Brandon

I have tried to gain the most out of my time at Eastern Connecticut University. I have gotten involved with the Education Club, the HPE/SLM majors club. Also i want to become more involved with the Habitat for Humanity club as well. I participate in most of the intramural sports on campus and i volunteer as much as i can. With a group of students i make trips weekly to an elderly home where we play games and do arts and crafts with the residents. Also, i am a volunteer at the University's annual Day of Giving where we serve thanksgiving dinner to hundreds of homeless and poor families in the community, along with this; we sponsor a huge canned food drive and donate it to the soup kitchens in the area as well. To be honest, i really feel that with all the extra activities i engage in along with the great academic education I am receiving at the school. That the experiences and education given to me during my time here as a student has been worth every penny.

Andrea

I got the chance to intern and I loved it. Being in the Field is so different then learning in the classroom and you do not even understand how important that chance is untill you take it. Having that chance was by far the greatest thing the collage did for me. Not only did I learn a lot about my field but I learned about myself. It also set me apart from others who were appying to grad school and I feel that interning is what helpped me get into the very grad school I wanted. Not only did i get this wonderful chance but I was also able to go on a trip with the school, to Ireland, England and Scotland. Traveling is life changing as is the field work. I learned about different people by being put into it. I learned about Irelands open vastness and how they are so enviromental friendly, a statement made by a local i will never forget. "engery is for the world not just us." My school gave me these chances and they are apart of who I am.

Murphy

I'm a freshman in college so I still haven't gotten the chance to experience it yet. I start this fall 2010, and just graduated from highschool June 2010. Hopefully I don't get disappointed when I start to experience college life. My reasons for going to college is to get a degree, continuing my education, and hopefully get a job in my major after college. You have more better paying job oppurtunities with a degree.

Genell

The advice that I would give myself is trying my hardest. Not only that but, not talking down on myself. Following this advice my gardes could of starting off alot higher. In my math I could of tried more and not let eveything aroundme affect me personally in school. Eventhough things wasn't the best around early high shool years I could a made a brighter situation iut of a bad one. I didn't have to let myself sink down with the ship. That's why perserverance is a good quality to have throughout all of your high school years. With the quality of perserverance a student can make it through with any adversity they may come into contact with.

Akeem

If I had the chance to go back in time inorder to give myself advice about college, I would make an effort to tell myself to apply for more scholarships. The cost of college expenses can get really overwhelming and can even get to a point where it is unmanageable. Having more scholarships can take off some of the stress from college life and would help me to better focus on my school work rather than how will I pay for this semester. This would be the advice I wouyold give myself to better prepare for college.

Joel

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior knowing what i know now about college life and making the transition , I would give myself the advice to make sure to lay down the rules with my room mates so they wouldn't feel like they can do whatever they want. Also, to be more open about meeting new people because although I have met many wonderful people so far, there have been times where I just wasn't confident enough in the person I was to go up to others and introduce myself. I must say that i probably wasn't given any real heads up on college life , but naturally I was born to be in an intstitution that provides what i have now because I am a person who loves to learn and most importantly a person who enjoys many of the experiences he has been given. So one of the most important things I can give myself advice about when being in college and making that transition is remembering to be myself and to stay focused with whats at hand.

Tommy

If I went back in time to talk to myself as a high school senior, I would definitely tell myself to apply to as many scholarships as possible. When I was a senior in high school I applied to some, but I was never really into it. Then when I came to Eastern and I had to pay for my own tuition I knew I made a mistake on not filling out as many scholarships as possible. That's definitely a big thing for me with the transition to college. When I was a senior I kept thinking to myself that no one would like me up in college, and that I would never meet any friends. I was totally wrong about that! I met alot of new friends that I really like being around all the time, so I would tell myself to just relax and be yourself and you will meet awesome new people that you could see yourself being around the rest of your life. Those are the subjects I would tell myself as a high school senior if I were to go back in time to explain college life and making the transition to it.

Corey

Do not give up so easily. Retake the SATs or else you'll waste 5 years and then end up at the college you wanted to go to at first. Do not allow the fibromyalgia to drag you down anymore. Oh, and dump your boyfriend. Trust me. Give yourself time to make friends and get out of the shell you live in. It isn't difficult to meet new people.

Laura

Hey Laura, I'm you from the future. I came to give you some help for college. We both know that looking for colleges can be more than a monotonous task so I have some basic guidelines to help relieve some stress. First of all, this year try new things. Experiment with whatever your school and community have to offer. This will help you get an idea of what you want to do the rest of your life and will help you look for a specific major. Second look for schools that have your major. If they don?t have it, don?t bother. If you don?t have a specific major, look for schools that have potential majors that look interesting. Third look for schools that fit your desires and your wallet. Although some schools look very appealing, interest from loans needs to be collected afterward. Your school should offer you great volunteer opportunities, internships, and extracurricular activities at a reasonable price. Fourth, never base your school off of someone else. Pick schools that cater to you and your needs. Lastly, go for gold! Apply to an easy, match, and reach school. Remember reach for the stars, Laura

Jessalyn

Don't be afraid to get out and try new things, and be outgoing. You only get one college career, don't waste it on guys. Go out and have fun with girl friends, and meet new people. Go to class everyday, no matter how sick you are. Even if you can't move, just go and sit there and listen. You'll never believe how much you could actually remember from that day. Don't drink a lot and make a fool out of yourself, casually meet people and be comfortable in social situations. These are the main things I would have told myself back when I was a high school senior. I had been with a boyfriend for about 2 years at that point and we went to the same college, so we stayed together. He basically consumed my life and made me miserable my first year. If I hadn't been with him, I would be out making a life for myself. I would be having fun, meeting new friends for the rest of my college life. Turns out, we broke up. But fortunately, I still managed to make friends and I love them to death.

Salome

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior I would tell myself to calm down and not cause myself so much stress over the college selection process. Second semester of senior year was filled with nights worrying about if I would get in and if I would be able to pay, along with hundreds of other thoughts. I ended up not being able to afford any of the colleges that I wanted to go to at the time, and yet everything still worked out. I would tell myself that no matter what situation I ended up in, I could make the best of it and be happy. I would say that through working hard and being open to new situations, regardless of the college I ended up at, I could be successful. Worrying about situations don't do any good, I can only try my best and then work with what I'm given.

Ellen

If I could go back to my senior year, I'd tell myself not to worry. Not everyone chooses a major right away, so I should be less focused on finding one. I would tell myself to get a job as quickly as possible, because it would save a whole lot of trouble that's about to come up. I'd tell myself not to depend too much on family members because they are about to leave later that year anyway, so that's useless. Oh, and I would tell myself that Eastern is probably the best school for me since I still don't know what I want from life.

devon

To think more about which college would suit me best. I need more surrounds, living in a city is a better choice for me, not a poor town in Willimantic.

Stephen

Don't listen to what everyone says. When you go on college tours, keep in mind that the university is trying to sell itself. In all honesty, it probably isn't near as good of a university as they make it out to be. This is not saying to not go on college tortes. It's still very important to go on tours. It's just very important to take them with a grain of salt. When going on tours, ask the people who are students there if they enjoy going to school there. That is a very accurate way to get information, from the source its self, the students. The students will provide much more an honest opinion as to weather or not the school is awful or good. Make sure you do a lot or research before touring universities. This includes, researching school rankings, school population, price, etc. After this research is complete, ask yourself what type of college you want to go and where you can go. Take some time to really reflect on what you want out of a university. For example, ask yourself if you really want to go to a small school or not.

Jo-Ann

It all depends on how u feel at the school. Make sure you visit the school before you decide to go there. A visit can will help you decide if that school is right for you. You'll be able to see if you feel at home or not.

Thomas

College is infact an experience and no matter how hard you prepare you will be thrown for a loop when those experiences hit you. Try to be prepared as possible and roll with the punches.

Michael

Go with what your gut says.

Ebony

As a freshman entering college, one thing that everyone should remember is that no matter where you are or what you are doing, your experience will only be what you make of it. The best thing to do is to do your work as soon as you get out of class. When the information is fresh on your mind, it makes it a lot easier to get through it. Procrastination is never helpful in college because there is so much going on and it is easy to forget things. I would also suggest leaving your bedroom. Some people think that because they do not know anyone they have to stay in their rooms or on the phone with friends from home. The best way to meet people and make new friends is to get out of your room and show them your personality. As for parents, I would say to give your children as much space as possible but also be there for them when they need you, whether it be to vent about something or tell you how well/ bad they did on an assignment. Space from parents gives students a reason to grow and expand their horizons.

Ashley

My advice to any student pursuing a higher education would be to participate in extra curricular activities. Playing on a sports team gave me the group of close knit friends that I had been searching for all my life. It doesn't matter what college you attend, as long as they have the major that you wish to pursue and it is affordable. It is up to you to make the most out of your college experience and the only way you can do that is to throw yourself into a club, a job, a sports team, the school paper, or some organization on campus. Extracurricular activities give you confidence, instant friends that believe in the same thing you do, and goals. If you don't like something about your campus, change it! As a student, you have that opportunity! Find your niche! I found mine in Track & Field and Cross-Country, and my teammates are now my best friends. I believe that in order to truly happy in college, you need to focus on other things besides the academics. Academics come first, but the social aspect of college is what you will remember for the rest of your life.

Nathalie

I would advise parents and students to really look around at different college campuses to make sure the environment is right for them or their child. Going to college is such a wonderful experience and you want to make sure you feel comfortable and safe on your college campus. I would also advise students to really get involved with different activities on campus. I did not make time for any activities outside the classroom because I worked so much, and I regret it now. I have met such wonderful people in my time at school and I know I could have met so many more if I had forced myself to get involved despite my lack of free time. Lastly, I would advide students to keep their academics as their first priority. It can be exciting living on your own, meeting new people and have a new found freedom, but do not let these things interfere with your workload. Work hard and have fun later; it will pay off in the end!

Marcia

The advice I would give parents and students is to know about financial aid packages available, and not necessarly what you want to do with your life, because chances are that will change over time.

Erica

The advice I would give future students for choosing a college, is too always go with what you want, not your parents, not your friends, not your teachers, just what you want. For parents, don't push your children into somthing, let them make their own mistakes and let them learn from them.

stephon

THe advice i give to the kids coming in to college is don't believe that saying that college isn't for everybody. think about it so why would people say that you could be anything you want to be if you put your mind to it. People contradict what they say so just keep your head up and don't let anything stand in your way for what you want to be in life.

Harrison

Always visit a school before you attend it. And make sure that it fits your learning style. Another important thing to remember is how many students leave the campus for the weekend.

Geoffrey

Know right away how you want to spend the next four years of your life. If you aren't excited for it, and are terrified to go out on your own, spend a semester at home and commute or stick to a community college. Find something in your affordability range as well. Definitely pick a couple schools that you know you can get into and visit them. Attend all the programs they run for incoming freshman and really try to get a feel for the school. If you can establish some sort of feeling or relationship with the campus while you visit, chances are you never will during your stay there, so keep looking until you can find a campus and school that does appeal to you. Think about academics last, because a degree is a degree, unless you're comparing Ivy League to a community college chances are academics at the schools you list will be very similar. Just remember you're going to have to be living there for the next four plus years of your life, so pick a place that feels like home.

Matthew

I would tell parents that as long as it is financially possible try to help you kids as much as you can and even if you dont agree with what they are doing try to accept it and help them along their way I would tell students to do what you want to do because you only get to do this once

courtney

To visit at least four campuses. It was funny, as they had said, when I stepped onto the Eastern Campus, it felt so comfortable. I did not at the other campuses. You kind of just know what feels right.

Ericka

Find a school that meets the needs of your major. The most important thing is to make sure your school has the classes and programs you need for what ever your intended major is. Other important attributes to pay attention to is the activities offered on-campus. It is a great thing when you get invovled with what is going on. It is a great way to meet new friends, gain new knowledge, and get insight on what college life is really like.

Erin

When looking for the right college some factors to consider are the campus size, what the class volume is like, areas of study and what the residential life is like if you are planning to live on campus. These four aspects listed above are important factors in making your college experience great, and unforgettable. After taking interest in a school take tours of the campus, more than once because this is the only way to get a real feel for the school. In addition, you want to talk to current students, and ask them some general question; this can include questions such as, what is the social life like on campus? How is the housing? Asking questions like this can help give insight to help you. To have a good college experience you need to be actively involved in extracurricular activities. This also allows you to meet new people and to have a good support system with others. Attend events on campus. If you?re actively involved with the school, the more you will get out of your college experience. When choosing your school go with your heart, and what feel right to you as an individual.